Systems and methods for efficient traffic offload without service disruption

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and devices for offloading traffic flows without service disruption are disclosed herein. User equipment (UE) is configured to receive an indication that a current packet data network (PDN) connection can be optimized. The current PDN connection is established over a first PDN gateway (PGW). The UE requests connection over a new PDN connection to a same type of service as the current PDN connection without releasing the connection over the first PGW. The UE routes new traffic flows over a second PGW corresponding to the new PDN connection and routes old traffic flows over the first PGW.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/128,217, filed Dec. 20, 2013, which is the National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/US13/61946, filed Sep. 26, 2013, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/753,914, filedJan. 17, 2013. Each one of the aforementioned applications is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to traffic offloading and moreparticularly relates to wireless traffic offload without servicedisruption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic diagrams illustrating a communicationsystem and example packet data network (PDN) communication paths.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication system with aflat architecture consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating user equipment (UE) forefficient offloading without service disruption consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a mobility managemententity (MME) for efficient offloading without service disruptionconsistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a communication timeline illustratingcommunication between a UE and network infrastructure to offload trafficflows without service disruption consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic diagrams illustrating offloadingtraffic flows within a communication system consistent with embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method foroffloading of traffic flows consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating another method foroffloading of traffic flows consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating yet another methodfor offloading of traffic flows consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device consistent withembodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of systems and methods consistent withembodiments of the present disclosure is provided below. While severalembodiments are described, it should be understood that this disclosureis not limited to any one embodiment, but instead encompasses numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In addition, whilenumerous specific details are set forth in the following description inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosedherein, some embodiments can be practiced without some or all of thesedetails. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, certain technicalmaterial that is known in the related art has not been described indetail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.

Wireless mobile communication technology uses various standards andprotocols to transmit data between a base station and a wireless mobiledevice. Wireless communication system standards and protocols caninclude the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long termevolution (LTE); the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) 802.16 standard, which is commonly known to industry groups asWiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access); and the IEEE802.11 standard, which is commonly known to industry groups as WiFi. In3GPP radio access networks (RANs) in LTE systems, the base station caninclude Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN)Node Bs (also commonly denoted as evolved Node Bs, enhanced Node Bs,eNodeBs, or eNBs) and/or Radio Network Controllers (RNCs) in an E-UTRAN,which communicate with a wireless communication device, known as userequipment (UE).

Common goals in many wireless networks include mobility, continuity ofservice, and/or high data rates. In cellular wireless networks, mobilityof a wireless mobile device often requires coverage of large areas whichin turn often requires the use of multiple base stations. As thewireless mobile device moves, it may be necessary to hand off thecommunication services for the wireless mobile device to a differentbase station. Mobility also often requires selection of new pathsthrough network infrastructure to provide optimal service for thewireless mobile device and/or efficiently use network resources.

Turning now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, traffic offloading as set forth withrespect to selected internet protocol (IP) traffic offload (SIPTO)described in 3GPP TS 23.401 will be discussed. FIG. 1A illustrates acommunication system 100 for delivering wireless communication servicesto a UE 102. The communication system 100 includes an evolved packetcore (EPC) 104 and a RAN 106. The EPC 104 includes an MME 108 whichcontrols serving gateway (SGW) A 110 and SGW B 110. Each of the SGWs 110are connected to two geographically distant PDN gateways (PGW) whichinclude PGW A 112 and PGW B 112. The RAN 106 includes a plurality ofeNBs 114 which provide radio coverage to the UE 102. The PGWs includecommunication nodes which serve as access points to a PDN. In FIG. 1A,the UE 102 is shown at a first location within coverage of the RAN 106.The UE 102 connects to an eNB 114 and requests a PDN connection to aspecific access point name (APN). The MME 108 selects geographicallyclose PGW A 112, in order to optimize the backhaul transport (S1 and S5tunnels) via the EPC 104 network. The current PDN connection path 116 isillustrated by a dotted line.

In FIG. 1B, the UE 102 has moved to a new location. As the UE 102 movesaway from its initial location, it eventually leaves the area (e.g. thegroup of eNBs 114) served by SGW A 110, which leads to an SGWrelocation. During the SGW relocation, the MME 108 assigns a new SGW110, specifically SGW B 110. The traffic flows for the UE 102 are stilltunneled to the PGW A 112 as illustrated by PDN connection path 118. Bytunneling the flows through the original PGW 112, continuity of servicecan be maintained because there is no change in the IP address used bythe UE 102.

At some point the MME 108 may decide that the PDN connection path 118needs to be streamlined. For example, the traffic in FIG. 1B is beinginefficiently backhauled over PDN connection path 118 to PGW A 112,which is geographically distant from the UE 102 and/or SGW B 110. Afterdetermining that the connection needs to be streamlined, the MME 108 mayinitiate deactivation of the PDN connection path 118 and includes acause value indicating that PDN reactivation is requested. Once the PDNconnection path 118 is released, the UE 102 requests a new PDNconnection to the same APN. During the PDN connection establishment, theMME 108 selects a geographically closer PGW 112, for example PGW B 112,for a new PDN connection. The new PDN connection path 120 isillustrated.

The PDN connection reactivation, as discussed above, implies the releaseof the IP address hosted on PGW A 112, followed by assignment of a newIP address hosted on PGW B 112. The PDN deactivation may be initiated bythe MME 108 at any time. For example, the MME 108 does not take intoaccount what type of traffic flows are currently involved over the oldPDN connection path 118 but simply releases it when the connection canbe optimized. This unpredictable deactivation can cause disruption toservices that have active traffic flows when the PDN deactivationoccurs. Given that in the traditional EPC 104 architecture in 3GPP thePGWs 112 reside generally deep within the EPC 104 network, the PDNdeactivation procedure is generally used infrequently, thus minimizingthe occurrences of service disruption. Even with the infrequentdeactivation, continuity of service can be severely affected when SIPTOis initiated.

Furthermore, starting with Rel-12 specifications, 3GPP has defined SIPTOenhancements known as “SIPTO at the Local Network” (SIPTO@LN) in whichthe PGW 112 (which may also be referred to as the Local Gateway or LGW)resides very close to the network edge. For example, the PGW 112 may becollocated with an SGW 110 or, in the extreme case, can even becollocated with an eNB 114. An example of such a “flat” architecture isdepicted in FIG. 2 that illustrates a system 200 with combined SGW/PGWnodes 202. The eNBs 114 are logically grouped into small clusterscorresponding to each SGP/PGW node 202. In one embodiment, the IPbreakout point (PGW 112) can be collocated with an eNB 114.

In the flat architecture of FIG. 2, when the UE 102 moves from onecluster to another, the SGW is relocated. With SIPTO operating asexplained above, the original PGW 112 can be temporarily preserved (byusing the inter cluster S5 interface) until the SIPTO feature is invokedby the MME 108. Invocation of the SIPTO feature will lead to a servicedisruption. Given the small cluster size of FIG. 2, with the PGW 112 atthe SGW nodes 202, the SIPTO feature will be invoked more frequentlythan in a traditional architecture (such as those illustrated in FIGS.1A and 1B). The more frequent use of SIPTO will also increase theoccurrences for potential service disruption and may result in severelyreduced service continuity, particularly with long-lived traffic flows,such as file downloads or streaming media.

With regard to the foregoing, Applicants have developed systems andmethods for traffic offloads to reduce service disruptions. Whileapplicable to flat architectures, as discussed above, the presentdisclosure is also applicable to more traditional architectures and mayimprove continuity of services in those networks as well.

In one embodiment, a UE 102 receives an indication that a current PDNconnection is not optimal. For example, the MME 108 may determine thatthe current connection is routed over a geographically distant PGW andthat a more proximal PGW is available to improve the backhaulconnection. The PDN connection may be established over a first PGW 112.The UE 102 requests a second PDN connection for the same APN and the MME108 takes care to establish the second PDN connection over a second PGW112 to the same type of service as the current PDN connection withoutreleasing the connection over the first PGW 112. The UE 102 routes newtraffic flows over the second PGW 112 and routes old traffic flows overthe first PGW 112. As used herein, the term soft SIPTO refers to theimproved methods for traffic offload, or improved version of SIPTO. Inone embodiment, soft SIPTO is given to mean the routing of old trafficflows over a first PDN connection and routing new traffic flows over asecond PDN connection. In one embodiment, soft SIPTO includes underlyingcoordination between the UE 102 and network.

Soft SIPTO may include a method for traffic offloads without servicedisruption which includes an MME 108 indicating to a UE 102 that thereis a possibility for optimizing an established PDN connection. The MME108 may indicate the possibility in response to an SGW relocation afterthe UE 102 has been handed over to a new cluster corresponding to a newSGW 110. The MME 108 may indicate this by using non-access stratum (NAS)signaling. Upon reception of this indication from the MME 108, the UE102 triggers a second PDN connection establishment for the samecommunication service type. For example, the UE 102 may request a secondPDN connection to the same APN without releasing the old one and the MME108 establishes the “new” PDN connection using a geographically closerPGW 112. A new IP address hosted on the new PGW 112 is assigned to UE102 during the process. After establishment of the new PDN connection,the UE 102 routes all new traffic flows via the new PDN connection.However, the UE 102 keeps the old PDN connection until all flows fromthe old PDN connection have either died away or have been moved to thenew PDN connection (e.g. using session initiation protocol (SIP)mobility). When there are no more active flows, the UE 102 may releasethe “old” PDN connection.

In one embodiment, the above method requires specific UE support and maynot be applicable to legacy UEs. For this reason, the UE 102 may need toindicate the soft SIPTO support capability when attaching to the networkso that the MME 108 knows whether it may invoke the soft SIPTO featurefor a specific UE 102.

The above proposed methods, systems, and devices allow “flat”architecture deployments where the IP breakout point (i.e., the PGW 112)is close to the radio edge, similar to FIG. 2. In order to deal withundesirable consequences of such deployment (i.e. increased frequency ofpotential service disruption), the network assists the UEs 102, allowingthem to cope with frequent changes of IP address smoothly (i.e., withoutany service disruption).

Although the present disclosure discusses mobile communication andoffloading in the context of 3GPP networks and mobile stations, one ofskill in the art will recognize that the present disclosure applies toall wireless communication networks with their respective mobilestations, base station, and network infrastructure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a UE 102 for traffic offloadingwithout service disruptions. The UE 102 includes a transceiver component302, a connection component 304, a capability component 306, and a softSIPTO component 308. The UE 102 may include any type of mobile computingor communication device. For example, the UE 102 may include a mobilephone such as a smart phone, a laptop computer, tablet computer,Ultrabook computer, or the like.

The transceiver component 302 is configured to communicate with acommunication system, such as through an eNB 114 of the RAN 106 of FIG.2. The transceiver component 302 may send and receive messageswirelessly using any communication protocol known in the art. In oneembodiment, the transceiver comprises processing circuitry and anantenna for wirelessly sending and receiving messages.

The connection component 304 establishes and releases a connection witha communication system 100. In one embodiment the connection component304 requests a connection to a PDN. The connection component 304 mayrequest a connection to a PDN by specifying an APN corresponding to aservice that the UE 102 wishes to use. For example, the connectioncomponent 304 may send a message using the transceiver component 302 torequest a connection to an Internet service, an IP multimedia subsystem(IMS), or other communication service. An MME 108 or other networkinfrastructure component may then allow the UE 102 to connect to theservice. For example, an MME 108 may cause the UE 102 to connect to theservice using a PDN connection over a specific PGW 112. The MME 108 mayselect a specific PGW 112 that efficiently uses network resources of theEPC 104. For example, the UE 102 may be connected to a PGW 112 and/orSGW 110 that are geographically close to the UE 102.

The connection component 304 may also release a connection over aspecific PDN connection or service. For example, the connectioncomponent 304 may release a PDN connection corresponding to a specificservice when that service is no longer needed. Similarly, the connectioncomponent 304 may release an old PDN connection after or prior toestablishment of a new PDN connection.

In one embodiment, the connection component 304 allows the UE 102 tomaintain a first PDN connection while establishing a second PDNconnection. For example, the connection component 304 may, as instructedby the soft SIPTO component 308 and/or an MME 108, establish a new PDNconnection to a same service type as an old PDN connection while alsomaintaining the old PDN connection. For example, the connectioncomponent 304 may request connection over a second PGW 112 to a sametype of service as the current PDN connection without releasing theconnection over the first PGW 112. Because the IP address for a UE 102or a particular service may be hosted at the PGW 112, the UE 102 mayhave two corresponding IP addresses for the same service. For example,the UE 102 may be assigned a first IP address on the first PGW 112 andassigned a second IP address on the second PGW 112. The connectioncomponent 304 may support the usage of two different IP addresses forthe same service type.

In one embodiment, when requesting connection to the same type ofservice the connection component 304 requests the PDN connection usingthe APN used to establish the first PDN connection. For example, if theconnection component 304 requests using an “apn_internet” APN for thefirst PDN connection the connection component 304 would also use thesame “apn_internet” APN for the new PDN connection.

In another embodiment, when requesting connection to the same type ofservice the connection component 304 requests the PDN connection using adifferent APN that corresponds to the same type of service. For example,if the connection component 304 requests using an “apn_internet” APN forthe first PDN connection the connection component 304 would use adifferent APN for the new PDN connection, but the different APN wouldcorrespond to the same Internet, IMS, or other service. In oneembodiment, the connection component 304 may use a slightly modifiedversion of the same APN. For example, if the connection component 304requests using an “apn_internet” APN for the first PDN connection theconnection component 304 would use the “apn_internet_bis” APN for thenew PDN connection. The connection component 304 may switch between thetwo (or more) APNs as the UE 102 travels through a RAN 106.

The connection component 304 may also release a PDN connection. Forexample, if a service is no longer needed, the connection component 304may release a PDN connection corresponding to that service. When the UE102 is connected to multiple PDN connections that correspond to the sameservice, the connection component 304 may release a PDN connection thatno longer has corresponding IP flows. For example, the UE 102 may havean old PDN connection where old IP flows are directed and a new PDNconnection where new IP flows are directed. If all the old IP flowsexpire, the connection component 304 may release the old PDN connection.The expiration of the old traffic flows may include a traffic flowending due to the end of a file download, the end of a music stream, theend of a video stream, and/or the transfer of old traffic flows to a newPDN connection.

In one embodiment, old traffic flows may be transferred by the UE 102from the old PDN (such as over a first PGW 112) to a new PDN (such asover a second PGW 112). Transfers of IP flows may be performed usingvarious protocols and methods. For example, IMS allows for transfer oflive IP flows at the application level from one IP address to anotherwithout service disruption. In one embodiment, transfer of the oldtraffic flows comprises transferring the old traffic flows using SIPmobility. Generally, transfers of IP flows using SIP mobility and/or IMSrequire a delay to set up the transfer and/or perform any requiredmessaging. Because soft SIPTO allows for a delay in maintaining a lessoptimal PDN connection, IMS and SIP mobility may have enough time toperform methods for transferring of the IP flows. This can lead toimproved service continuity while still allowing for optimization of abackhaul connection.

The capability component 306 provides an indication that the UE 102 iscapable of soft SIPTO. Generally, a UE 102 and/or a network componentmust support soft SIPTO in order to efficiently transfer IP flowswithout service disruption. Thus, the UE 102 may be required to indicateto an MME 108 or other network infrastructure component whether the UE102 is capable of soft SIPTO. The UE 102 may provide the indication thatthe UE 102 is capable of soft SIPTO during connection to the system 100and/or during establishment of a PDN connection of a PGW 112. The UE 102may indicate its support for soft SIPTO in any manner that indicates theUE 102 supports maintaining a plurality of PDN connections for a samecommunication service type. The indication that the UE 102 supports softSIPTO may then allow an MME 108 or other network infrastructure toenable soft SIPTO services for the UE 102.

The soft SIPTO component 308 routes old traffic flows over an old PDNconnection and routes new traffic flows over a new PDN connection. Theold and new traffic flows may correspond to the same service type. Theold traffic flows may include traffic flows that are older than the newPDN connection and the new traffic flows may include traffic flows thatare newer or were begun at the same time as the new PDN connection. Forexample, the old PDN connection may include a connection over a firstPGW 112 that is geographically proximal to a first location of the UE102 while the new PDN connection may include a connection over a secondPGW 112 that is geographically proximal to a second location of the UE102. The connection over the second PGW 112 may have been established inresponse to the movement of the UE 102 to the second location but theconnection over the first PGW 112 may have been maintained for alreadyexisting IP flows. Keeping old traffic flows on the old PDN connectionmay allow for continuity of service as to those IP flows until theyexpire or can be moved to the new PDN connection. Placing new trafficflows on the new PDN connection may allow for optimization of thenetwork and improve speed and throughput for the UE 102.

In one embodiment, the soft SIPTO component 308 receives an indicationthat a current PDN connection can be optimized. For example, the MME 108or other network infrastructure component may notify the UE 102 that thePDN connection could be optimized to improve network usage. In oneembodiment, the indication includes an NAS message that indicates thatthe current PDN connection is less than optimal. The soft SIPTOcomponent 308 may notify the connection component 304 so that theconnection component 304 can request and establish a new PDN connection.The soft SIPTO component 308 may also notify the connection component304 if all the old traffic flows have been transferred or expired sothat the connection component 304 may release an old PDN connection.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an MME 108 for traffic offloadingwithout service disruption. The MME 108 manages SGWs 110 to providecommunication services to one or more UE 102. The MME 108 includes aconnection component 402, a capability component 404, and anoptimization component 406. In one embodiment, the MME 108 may belocated within a communication system 100 that includes PGWs 112 whichare located proximally to a network edge. For example, the PGWs 112 maybe co-located with corresponding SGWs 110 or eNBs 114. Although thebelow functionality is discussed specifically in relation to an MME 108and 3GPP infrastructure, one of skill in the art will recognize thatother types of networks may also implement the same or similarfunctionality.

The capability component 404 determines a capability of a UE 102 withrespect to soft SIPTO. For example, the capability component 404 maydetermine that a UE 102 is capable of soft SIPTO based on a messagereceived from the UE 102 and/or via another network infrastructurecomponent. In one embodiment, the capability component 404 receives anindication that the UE 102 is capable of maintaining two PDN connectionsfor the same service type.

The connection component 402 may manage a connection of the UE 102 byselecting PGW 112 through which a PDN connection for the UE 102 shouldbe established. For example, the connection component 402 may select aPGW 112 that is geographically proximate to the UE 102 and/or SGW 110 inorder to more efficiently handle data for the UE 102. In one embodiment,the connection component 402 may allow the UE 102 to establish multiplePDN connections to the same service type, or same APN. For example, theconnection component 402 may allow the UE 102 to establish a new PDNconnection for new traffic flows on a new PGW 112 while maintaining thecurrent PDN connection for old traffic flows with the old PGW 112.

The optimization component 406 determines whether a current PDNconnection can be optimized. For example, the optimization component 406may compare a location of the UE 102 to the locations of one or morePGWs 112. In one embodiment, a PDN connection may include a connectionover a PGW 112 and SGW 110. If a currently used PGW 112 is farther awaythan another PGW 112 that is available to the UE 102, the optimizationcomponent 406 may determine that the PDN connection can be optimized. Inone embodiment, the optimization component 406 determines whether acurrent PDN connection can be optimized in response to mobility of theUE 102. For example, if communication for the UE 102 relocates to a newSGW 110, the optimization component 406 may determine whether thecurrent PDN connection can be optimized. In one embodiment, theoptimization component 406 may determine a new PGW 112 while maintainingthe same SGW 110 on which the UE 102 is currently connected.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication time line 500illustrating communication between the UE 102 and network infrastructureto offload traffic flows without service disruption. FIGS. 6A, 6B, and6C will be discussed in relation to the communication timeline 500 ofFIG. 5 to illustrate soft SIPTO operation.

The UE 102 establishes 502 a PDN connection. In one embodiment, theconnection component 304 establishes 502 the connection by requestingconnection to a specific APN. The MME 108, in response to the request,assigns an SGW 110 and PGW 112 to the UE 102 for the PDN connection. TheUE 102 is assigned an IP address (IP@1) with the assigned PGW 112. TheMME 108 may select the SGW 110 and/or the PGW 112 based on thegeographic location of the UE 102. Following establishment 502 of thePDN connection, the user plane traffic for the UE 102 is directed 504over the selected SGW 110 and PGW 112. FIG. 6A illustrates a UE 102connected to a communication network with the PDN connection 602directed over SGW A 110 and PGW A 112.

Also depicted in FIG. 6A is the movement of the UE 102 with respect tothe RAN 106. As the UE 102 moves with respect to the RAN 106, the UE 102may require connection to an eNB 114 outside of an original cluster. Inresponse to the UE 102 mobility, the MME 108 relocates 506 the SGWfunction to a different SGW 110. FIG. 6B illustrates the UE 102 havingmoved to a new location covered by SGW B 110 instead of SGW A 110.Following SGW relocation 506 by the MME 108, the user plane traffic forthe UE 102 is directed 508 over SGW B 110 and the same PGW 112,specifically PGW A 112. FIG. 6B illustrates the updated PDN connection604 over SGW B 110 and PGW A 112. Because the UE 102 still uses PGW A112 for the PDN connection, the UE 102 maintains the same IP address(IP@1).

The MME 108 indicates 510 to the UE 102 that optimization is possible.The MME 108 may provide the indication after a determination that ageographically closer PGW 112 is available for usage by the UE 102. Forexample, the MME 108 may determine that PGW B 112 is closer to the UE102 and/or SGW A 110. The MME 108 may determine that data for the UE 102may be more efficiently backhauled over PGW B 112. The UE 102 mayreceive the indication that optimization is available within an NASmessage. In one embodiment, the MME 108 only indicates 510 thatoptimization is possible if the UE 102 has indicated that it is capableof soft SIPTO.

The UE 102 requests 512 a new PDN connection, in response to theindication that optimization is available. The request 512 for the newPDN connection includes a request for the same service type as the oldPDN connection (such as updated PDN connection 604). In one embodiment,the request 512 for the PDN connection may include the same APN or adifferent APN that corresponds to the same service type. The UE 102maintains the old PDN connection 604 even while requesting 512 the newPDN connection. The MME 108 receives the request 512 and allocates a newPGW 112 for the new PDN connection. In one embodiment, the MME 108allocates the PGW 112 that was identified as geographically close. Forexample, the MME 108 allocates PGW B 112 of FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6Cillustrates the old PDN connection 604 and the new PDN connection 606.Because the new PDN connection 606 is hosted on PGW B 112, the UE 102 isassigned a new IP address (IP@2) for the new PDN connection 606.

Following allocation of the new PDN connection 606, old traffic flowscontinue to be directed 514 over the old PDN connection (specificallySGW B 110 and PGW A 112) using the old IP address (IP@1) and new trafficflows are directed 516 over the new PDN connection (specifically SGW B110 and PGW B 112 using the new IP address (IP@2)). The old trafficflows may include any traffic flows that existed prior to establishmentof the new PDN connection 606 and new traffic flows may include trafficflows that are begun after establishment of the new PDN connection 606.FIG. 6C illustrates the old PDN connection 604 and the new PDNconnection 606. During this time period, the UE 102 has active trafficflows, and IP addresses, corresponding to both PGW A 112 and PGW B 112.

After establishment of the new PDN connection 606, the UE 102 may beginto transfer old traffic flows from the old IP address (IP@1) to the newPDN connection 606 using the new IP address (IP@2). For example, the UE102 may use SIP mobility messaging to transfer an active flow to the newIP address. This may allow for more efficient use of the old trafficflows while maintaining continuity of service. Over time, the number ofold traffic flows may be reduced until there are no more active trafficflows over the old PDN connection 604. The old traffic flows may bereduced, for example, simply because a file has been downloaded, a musicstream has ended, a video stream has ended, and/or the active downloadshave all been transferred to the new PDN connection 606.

The UE 102 releases 518 the old PDN connection 604. The UE 102 mayrelease 518 the old PDN connection 604 when all the old traffic flowshave either ended or been transferred to the new PDN connection 606. TheUE 102 may release 518 the old PDN connection 604 by sending a messageindicating release of the PDN connection 604 or the PGW A 112. Followingrelease of the old PDN connection 604, all traffic flows for the UE 102are routed 520 over the new PDN connection 606.

Further movement of the UE 102 may necessitate repetition of thecommunication of FIG. 5. For example, if the UE 102 continues to moveinto a cluster corresponding to SGW C 110, a similar process may berepeated to establish a PDN connection over SGW C 110 and/or PGW C 112.

Although the example operation of offloading only illustrated two activePDN connections corresponding to the same service type, three or moreactive PDN connections corresponding to the same service type may alsobe possible, or desirable in some circumstances. For example, if the SGWfunction for the UE 102 is relocated to SGW C 110 before the old flowsare transferred or expire, the UE 102 may maintain three active PDNconnections. In another embodiment, a hard SIPTO or release of the oldPDN connection may occur if the UE 102 is relocated to a third SGW 110,such as SGW C 110.

One aspect of wireless networks includes the tracking of data servicesprovided to a specific individual or UE 102. For example, 3GPP definesan aggregate maximum bit rate (AMBR) for a specific UE 102 orindividual. The AMBR may be tracked at multiple levels within the systemand multiple types of AMBR may be tracked. For example, the UE-AMBR isan AMBR for all communication services provided to the specific UE 102while the APN-AMBR is an AMBR for communications corresponding to aspecific APN or service type. In 3GPP, the UE-AMBR is enforced at theeNB 114 level or SGW level while the APN-AMBR is enforced at the PGWlevel. Because the present disclosure allows the UE 102 to connect tomultiple PGWs 112, the APN-AMBR enforcement at the PGW level may nolonger be accurate. Thus, modifications to tracking and/or enforcementof the APN-AMBR may be necessary.

In one embodiment, tracking and enforcement of the APN-AMBR may be movedcloser to the UE 102 so that multiple PDN connections will still berouted through an entity that enforces the APN-AMBR. For example, theAPN-AMBR enforcement may be moved to an SGW 110. Enforcement of theAPN-AMBR at the SGW level may require modification to the S11 interfaceso that the SGW 110 is aware of the APN-AMBR value for a specific UE102. For example, the MME 108 may communicate the APN-AMBR to the SGW110 using an existing or newly defined message of the S11 interface. Inone embodiment, enforcement of the APN-AMBR may be performed at the eNB114. Enforcement of the APN-AMBR at the eNB level may requiremodification to the S11 interface and/or the S1-MME interface so thatthe eNB 114 is aware of the APN-AMBR value for a specific UE 102. One ormore new or existing messages may be used to communicate the necessaryinformation to the eNB 114.

In one embodiment, the APN-AMBR may not be tracked or enforced. Forexample, a UE-AMBR may be enforced with respect to the UE 102 but noadditional data limits or AMBRs with respect to specific APNs or servicetypes may be imposed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method 700 foroffloading traffic flows without service disruptions. The method 700 maybe performed by a UE 102 or other mobile communication device.

The method 700 begins and the UE 102 receives 702 an indication that acurrent PDN connection can be optimized. The UE 102 may receive 702 themessage from the MME 108 in the form of NAS messaging. In oneembodiment, the current PDN connection may include a connection to aspecific service type over a first PGW 112.

The UE 102 requests 704 a new PDN connection. The request 704 mayindicate a service type that is the same as an existing PDN connection.In one embodiment, the UE 102 may request 704 the new PDN connectionwith a message that includes the same APN used to establish the currentPDN connection. The MME 108 may allocate the new PDN connection over asecond PGW 112.

The UE 102 routes 706 old traffic over the current PDN connection andnew traffic over the new PDN connection. For example, the UE 102 mayroute 706 old traffic over a first PGW 112 corresponding to the currentPDN connection and route 706 new traffic over a second PGW 112corresponding to the new PDN connection.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating another method 800for offloading traffic flows without service disruptions. The method 800may be performed by a UE 102 or other mobile communication device.

The method 800 begins and the capability component 306 sends 802 anindication that the UE 102 is capable of soft SIPTO. The connectioncomponent 304 establishes 804 a second PDN connection in addition to afirst PDN connection. For example, the trigger for establishing thesecond PDN connection may be due to the UE 102 receiving a message froman MME 108 indicating optimization is possible which may be due tomovement of the UE 102. The second PDN connection may include aconnection with a second PGW 112. The first PDN connection may include aconnection with the first PGW 112.

The soft SIPTO component 308 sends 806 old traffic flows over a firstPGW 112 and new traffic flows over a second PGW 112. For example, theold traffic flows may include traffic flows that were established on anold IP address corresponding to the first PGW 112. The new traffic flowsmay be started after establishment of the new PDN connection (second PGW112) and may thus be established on a new IP address corresponding tothe second PGW 112.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method 900 foroffloading traffic flows without service disruptions. The method 900 maybe performed by an MME 108 or other network infrastructure component.

The method 900 begins and a capability component 404 receives 902 anindication that a UE 102 is capable of soft SIPTO. An optimizationcomponent 406 determines 904 that optimization of a current PDNconnection for the UE 102 is possible. The optimization component 406may determine 904 the optimization of the current PDN connection ispossible based on a geographic location of the UE 102 and/or one or morenetwork components. For example, the optimization component 406 maydetermine 904 that a PGW 112 of the current PDN connection isgeographically distant from the UE 102 while another PGW 112 isgeographically closer. Based on the proximity of an available PGW 112,the optimization component 406 may determine 904 that optimization ofthe current PDN connection is possible.

The MME 108 provides 906 an indication to the UE 102 that optimizationis possible. For example, the MME 108 may provide 906 an indication thatsoft SIPTO to improve the PDN connection may be performed.

A connection component 402 establishes 908 a new PDN connection whilemaintaining the current PDN connection. The MME 108 may select a PGW 112for the new PDN connection that more efficiently uses network resourcesand/or improves data through-put or reduces latency at the UE 102. TheUE 102 may then route new traffic flows over the new PDN connectionwhile routing old traffic flows over the current or old PDN connection.

FIG. 10 is an example illustration of a mobile device, such as a UE, amobile station (MS), a mobile wireless device, a mobile communicationdevice, a tablet, a handset, or another type of mobile wireless device.The mobile device can include one or more antennas configured tocommunicate with a transmission station, such as a base station (BS), aneNB, a base band unit (BBU), a remote radio head (RRH), a remote radioequipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radio equipment (RE), oranother type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point. Themobile device can be configured to communicate using at least onewireless communication standard including 3GPP LTE, WiMAX, High SpeedPacket Access (HSPA), Bluetooth, and WiFi. The mobile device cancommunicate using separate antennas for each wireless communicationstandard or shared antennas for multiple wireless communicationstandards. The mobile device can communicate in a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

FIG. 10 also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or morespeakers that can be used for audio input and output from the mobiledevice. The display screen may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screenor other type of display screen, such as an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen.The touch screen may use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touchscreen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor canbe coupled to internal memory to provide processing and displaycapabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to providedata input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port mayalso be used to expand the memory capabilities of the mobile device. Akeyboard may be integrated with the mobile device or wirelesslyconnected to the mobile device to provide additional user input. Avirtual keyboard may also be provided using the touch screen.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 is a UE that includes a capability component, a connectioncomponent, and a soft SIPTO component. The capability component isconfigured to send an indication that the mobile communication device iscapable of soft SIPTO. Soft SIPTO includes maintaining a plurality ofPDN connections for a same communication service type. The connectioncomponent is configured to, in response to an indication from thenetwork, establish a second PDN connection in addition to a first PDNconnection for a same communication service type. The soft SIPTOcomponent is configured to, in response to establishing the second PDNconnection, send old traffic over a first PDN connection and new trafficover a second PDN connection. The first PDN connection and the secondPDN connection correspond to the same communication service type.

In Example 2, the soft SIPTO component of Example 1 can be optionallyfurther configured to release the first PDN connection in response toexpiration of the old traffic.

In Example 3, the soft SIPTO component of Examples 1-2 can be optionallyfurther configured to receive NAS messaging indicating that the currentPDN connection is less optimal than an available PDN connection. The UEcan optionally trigger a second PDN connection establishment for thesame communication service type in response to receiving the NASmessaging.

In Example 4, the UE of Examples 1-3 can optionally be assigned a firstIP address on the first PDN connection and assigned a second IP addresson the second PDN connection.

In Example 5, the connection component of Examples 1-4 can optionallyestablish the second PDN by requesting connection to the samecommunication service type using the same APN.

In Example 6, the connection component of Examples 1-5 can optionallyestablish the second PDN by requesting connection to the samecommunication service type using a different APN that corresponds to thesame communication service type.

In Example 7, the UE of Examples 1-6 can optionally include one or moreantennas, display screens, and/or physical input keys.

Example 8 is a mobile communication device configured to receive anindication that a current PDN connection is not optimal. The current PDNconnection is established over a first communication node. The mobilecommunication device is configured to request a new PDN connection forthe same communication service type without releasing the connectionover the first communication node. The mobile communication device isconfigured to route new traffic flows over a second communication nodecorresponding to the new PDN connection and route old traffic flows overthe first communication node.

In Example 9, the requesting connection to the same communicationservice type In Example 8 can optionally include requesting using thesame APN.

In Example 10, requesting connection over the new PDN connection ofExample 8-9 can optionally include requesting using a APN thatcorresponds to the same communication service type.

In Example 11, the mobile communication device of Examples 8-10 can beoptionally further configured to release the connection over the firstcommunication node in response to expiration of the old traffic flows.

In Example 12, expiration of the old traffic flows in Example 11 canoptionally include one or more of an end of a file download, an end to amusic stream, and an end to a video stream.

In Example 13, expiration of the old traffic flows in Example 11 canoptionally include a transfer of the old traffic flows to the second PDNconnection.

In Example 14, transfer of the old traffic flows in Example 13 canoptionally include transferring the old traffic flows using SIP mobilityprocedures.

Example 15 is an MME that is configured to receive an indication that aUE is capable of soft selected IP traffic offload. The MME is configuredto, in response to mobility of the UE, determine that optimization of acurrent packet data network connection is possible. The MME isconfigured to provide an indication to the UE that improvement of thecurrent packet data network connection is available. The MME isconfigured to establish, for the UE, a new packet data networkconnection for the same communication service type for new traffic flowswhile maintaining the current packet data network connection for oldtraffic flows.

In Example 16, the MME of Example 15 can optionally establish the newpacket data network connection in response to a request from the UE fora connection to the same communication service type.

In Example 17, the new packet data network connection of Examples 15-16can optionally include a connection through a PGW located proximally toa network edge.

In Example 18, the PGW of Example 17 can be optionally co-located with aSGW.

In Example 19, the PGW of Example 17 can be optionally co-located withan eNB.

In Example 20, the current packet data network connection of Examples15-19 can optionally include a connection over a first PGW and the newpacket data network connection for the same communication service typecan optionally include a connection over a second PGW.

In Example 21, the MME of Examples 15-20 can be optionally located in anetwork that does not enforce an APN-AMBR.

In Example 22, the MME of Examples 15-21 can be optionally located in anetwork where an APN-AMBR is enforced at one of an SGW and an eNB.

Example 23 is a UE comprising circuitry configured to, in response to anindication from the network, request establishment of a new packet datanetwork (PDN) connection for new traffic flows while maintaining an oldpacket data network connection for old active traffic flows. The newpacket data network connection and the old packet data networkconnection both correspond to the same communication service type.

In Example 24, the UE of Example 23 can be optionally further configuredto transfer old active traffic flows to the new packet data networkconnection.

Example 25 is a method for mobile communication device mobility. Themethod includes sending an indication that the mobile communicationdevice is capable of soft SIPTO, wherein soft SIPTO comprisesmaintaining a plurality of PDN connections for a same communicationservice type. The method includes, in response to an indication from thenetwork, establishing a second PDN connection in addition to a first PDNconnection for a same communication service type. The method includes,in response to establishing the second PDN connection, sending oldtraffic over a first PDN connection and new traffic over a second PDNconnection, wherein the first PDN connection and the second PDNconnection correspond to the same communication service type.

In Example 26, the method of Example 25 can optionally further includereleasing the first PDN connection in response to expiration of the oldtraffic.

In Example 27, the method of Examples 25-26 can optionally furtherinclude receiving NAS messaging indicating that the current PDNconnection is less optimal and triggering a second PDN connectionestablishment for the same communication service type in response toreceiving the NAS messaging.

In Example 28, the mobile communication device of Examples 25-27 canoptionally be assigned a first IP address on the first PDN connectionand assigned a second IP address on the second PDN connection.

In Example 29, establishing the second PDN connection in the method ofExamples 25-28 can optionally include requesting connection to the samecommunication service type using the same APN.

In Example 30, establishing the second PDN connection in the method ofExamples 25-30 can optionally include requesting connection to the samecommunication service type using a different APN that corresponds to thesame communication service type.

In Example 31, the mobile communication device of Examples 25-30 canoptionally include one or more of an antenna, a display screen, and aphysical input key.

Example 32 is a method for mobile communication device mobility thatincludes receiving an indication that a current PDN connection is notoptimal. The current PDN connection is established over a firstcommunication node. The method includes requesting a new PDN connectionfor the same communication service type without releasing the connectionover the first communication node. The method includes routing newtraffic flows over a second communication node corresponding to the newPDN connection and route old traffic flows over the first communicationnode.

In Example 33, requesting a new PDN connection for the samecommunication service type in Example 32 can optionally includerequesting using the same APN.

In Example 34, requesting a new PDN connection for the samecommunication service type in Example 32-33 can optionally includerequesting using a different APN that corresponds to the samecommunication service type.

In Example 35, the method of Examples 32-34 can optionally furtherinclude releasing the connection over the first communication node inresponse to expiration of the old traffic flows.

In Example 36, the expiration of the old traffic flows in Example 35 canoptionally include one or more of an end of a file download, an end to amusic stream, and an end to a video stream.

In Example 37, the expiration of the old traffic flows in Example 35 canoptionally include a transfer of the old traffic flows to the second PDNconnection.

In Example 38, transfer of the old traffic flows in Example 37 canoptionally include transferring the old traffic flows using SIP mobilityprocedures.

Example 39 is a method for UE mobility. The method includes receiving anindication that the UE is capable of soft selected IP traffic offload.The method includes, in response to mobility of the UE, determining thatoptimization of a current packet data network connection is possible.The method includes, providing an indication to the UE that improvementof the current packet data network connection is available. The methodincludes establishing, for the UE, a new packet data network connectionfor the same communication service type for new traffic flows whilemaintaining the current packet data network connection for old trafficflows.

In Example 40, establishing the new packet data network connection inExample 39 can optionally be performed in response to a request from theUE for a connection to the same communication service type.

In Example 41, the new packet data network connection of Examples 39-40can optionally include a connection through a PGW located proximally toa network edge.

In Example 42, the PGW of Example 41 can be optionally co-located withan SGW.

In Example 43, the PGW of Example 41 can be optionally co-located withan eNB.

In Example 44, the current packet data network connection of Examples39-43 can optionally include a connection over a first PGW and the newpacket data network connection for the same communication service typecan optionally include a connection over a second PGW.

Example 44 is an apparatus that includes means to perform a method inany of Examples 25-44.

Example 45 is a machine readable storage including machine-readableinstructions that, when executed, implement a method or realize anapparatus of Examples 25-44.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take theform of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium, or any other machine-readable storagemedium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by amachine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus forpracticing the various techniques. In the case of program code executionon programmable computers, the computing device may include a processor,a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile andnon-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device,and at least one output device. The volatile and non-volatile memoryand/or storage elements may be a RAM, EPROM, flash drive, optical drive,magnetic hard drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. TheeNB (or other base station) and UE (or other mobile station) may alsoinclude a transceiver component, a counter component, a processingcomponent, and/or a clock component or timer component. One or moreprograms that may implement or utilize the various techniques describedherein may use an application programming interface (API), reusablecontrols, and the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high-levelprocedural or object oriented programming language to communicate with acomputer system. However, the program(s) may be implemented in assemblyor machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be acompiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardwareimplementations.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described inthis specification may be implemented as one or more components, whichis a term used to more particularly emphasize their implementationindependence. For example, a component may be implemented as a hardwarecircuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelfsemiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discretecomponents. A component may also be implemented in programmable hardwaredevices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable arraylogic, programmable logic devices, or the like.

Components may also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified component of executable code may, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which may, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedcomponent need not be physically located together, but may comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the component and achieve the statedpurpose for the component.

Indeed, a component of executable code may be a single instruction, ormany instructions, and may even be distributed over several differentcode segments, among different programs, and across several memorydevices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustratedherein within components, and may be embodied in any suitable form andorganized within any suitable type of data structure. The operationaldata may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed overdifferent locations including over different storage devices, and mayexist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system ornetwork. The components may be passive or active, including agentsoperable to perform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the example is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an example” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and examples of the presentinvention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de factoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Although the foregoing has been described in some detail for purposes ofclarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the principles thereof. It should benoted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both theprocesses and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the presentembodiments are to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, andthe invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but maybe modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many changes may bemade to the details of the above-described embodiments without departingfrom the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of thepresent invention should, therefore, be determined only by the followingclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Apparatus for user equipment (UE) tofacilitate coordinated selected internet protocol (IP) traffic offload(CSIPTO) in an evolved packet core (EPC) network, the apparatuscomprising circuitry configured to: establish, through a radio accessnetwork (RAN), a first packet data network (PDN) connection between theUE and a first PDN gateway (PGW) in the EPC network for wirelesscommunication of a first IP flow requiring IP address preservation; andrequest, while maintaining the first PDN connection for the first IPflow, a second PDN connection between the UE and a second PGW in the EPCnetwork for wireless communication of a second IP flow having a samecommunication service type as that of the first IP flow so as to cause amobility management entity (MME) of the EPC network to invoke CSIPTO toestablish, while preserving the IP address associated with the first IPflow, the second PDN connection to the second PGW that is geographicallyseparated from the first PGW, in which the UE maintains the IP addressas a first IP address associated with the first PDN connection and asecond IP address associated with the second PDN connection.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising the circuitry configured torelease the first PDN connection in response to expiration of the firstIP flow.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the circuitryconfigured to receive non-access stratum (NAS) messaging indicating thatthe first PDN connection is less optimal than the second PDN connectionfor the same communication service type.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising the circuitry configured to establish the second PDNconnection by requesting the same communication service type and byusing a same access point name (APN) as that of the first PDNconnection.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising thecircuitry configured to establish the second PDN connection byrequesting the same communication service type and by using a differentaccess point name (APN) as that of the first PDN connection.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, in which the same communication service typecomprises streaming or file download type services.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, in which the first IP flow is a long-lived IP traffic flow. 8.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereoninstructions that, when executed by a processor for user equipment (UE)configured to facilitate coordinated selected internet protocol (IP)traffic offload (CSIPTO) in an evolved packet core (EPC) network, causethe processor to perform operations comprising: establish, through aradio access network (RAN), a first packet data network (PDN) connectionbetween the UE and a first PDN gateway (PGW) in the EPC network forwireless communication of a first IP flow requiring IP addresspreservation; and request, while maintaining the first PDN connectionfor the first IP flow, a second PDN connection between the UE and asecond PGW in the EPC network for wireless communication of a second IPflow having a same communication service type as that of the first IPflow so as to cause a mobility management entity (MME) of the EPCnetwork to invoke CSIPTO establishing, while preserving the IP addressassociated with the first IP flow, the second PDN connection to thesecond PGW that is geographically separated from the first PGW, in whichthe UE maintains the IP address as a first IP address associated withthe first PDN connection and a second IP address associated with thesecond PDN connection.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 8, further comprising instructions to release the firstPDN connection in response to expiration of the first IP flow.
 10. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, furthercomprising instructions to receive non-access stratum (NAS) messagingindicating that the first PDN connection is less optimal than the secondPDN connection for the same communication service type.
 11. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, furthercomprising instructions to establish the second PDN connection byrequesting the same communication service type and by using a sameaccess point name (APN) as that of the first PDN connection.
 12. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, in which thefirst IP flow is a long-lived IP traffic flow.
 13. Apparatus for amobility management entity (MME) configured to: receive an indicationthat a user equipment (UE) is capable of coordinated selected internetprotocol (IP) traffic offload (CSIPTO); in response to mobility of theUE within a radio access network (RAN) served by a core networkincluding the MME, determining that optimization of an establishedpacket data network (PDN) connection conveying an active IP flow via thecore network is possible; provide an indication to the UE thatimprovement of the established PDN connection is available; andestablish for the UE a new PDN connection for convening via the corenetwork subsequent IP flows having a same communication service type asthat of the active IP flow while maintaining the established PDNconnection for the active IP flow.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, inwhich the MME establishes the new PDN connection in response to arequest from the UE for a service of the same communication servicetype.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, in which the new PDN connectioncomprises a connection through a PDN gateway (PGW) located proximally toan edge of the RAN.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, in which the PGW isco-located with a serving gateway (SGW).
 17. The apparatus of claim 15,in which the PGW is co-located with an Evolved Universal TerrestrialRadio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (eNB).
 18. The apparatus of claim13, in which the established PDN connection comprises a connection overa first PDN gateway (PGW) and the new PDN connection for the samecommunication service type comprises a connection over a second PGW.